Engineer Darin Neufeld of EBH & Associates P.A. spoke Friday to Marion Chamber of Commerce about plans to renovate downtown Marion between Walnut and Elm streets.

An application for a grant of about $775,000 was filed earlier in the day, he said.

The first stages of the project began about 1.5 years ago with Marion PRIDE, but the plan is largely the same as a downtown redevelopment plan created in 1980.

“It’s going to make downtown look sharp,” Neufeld said.

The work will only be along Main Street, not extending to the city building or county courthouse.

Lighting is designed to complement the light fixtures in Central Park.

The grant application called for a 75-25 split of costs, in an effort to give it a better shot than if the application had been for the usual 80-20 split.

Pam Bowers also spoke about Circles of Hope and a planned fundraiser for new restrooms at Central Park.

She is organizing a macaroni and cheese cook-off for April 27.

There were 19 members at the meeting.